- [plural] the people who work for an organization or one of the armed forces
- There is a severe shortage of skilled personnel.
- sales/technical/medical/security/military, etc. personnel
Extra ExamplesTopics Jobsc1, Businessc1- Only authorized personnel have access to the computer system.
- The area was evacuated of all non-essential personnel.
- an employment agency for ex-service personnel
- firefighters and other rescue personnel
- groups of support personnel, engineers and medics
- police, fire and emergency medical personnel
- the functions accomplished by uniformed personnel
- the training of key health personnel
- The bomb killed 28 military personnel.
- They provide the training for technical personnel.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- experienced
- professional
- qualified
- …
- [uncountable + singular or plural verb] the department in a company that deals with employing and training people synonym human resources
- the personnel department/manager
- She works in personnel.
- Personnel is/are currently reviewing pay scales.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverb + personnel- be in
- work in
- department
- office
- director
- …
Word Originearly 19th cent.: from French (adjective used as a noun), contrasted with matériel ‘equipment or materials used in an organization or undertaking’.
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personnel